Garment rejuvenating apparatus



April 7, 1953 M. R. MEYER 2,634,033

GARMENT REJUVENATING APPARATUS Filed May 2. 1950 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR BMEF/Q RMeyer 9 M ATTRNEY April 1953 M. R. MEYER 2,634,033

GARMENT REJUVENATING APPARATUS Filed May 2. 1950 s Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR Mer/e k. fl feyer @205 Ma ATTORNEY April 1953 M. R. MEYER 2,634,033

GARMENT REJUVENATING APPARATUS Filed May 2, '1950 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 L Z'FQ 27 #9 INVENTOR ATTORNEY Patented Apr. 7, 1953 OFFICE GARMENT REJUVENATING APPARATUS Merle E. Meyer, Teaneck, N. J., assignor to Leandro W. Tomarkin, Spring Valley, N. Y.

' Application May 2,1950, Serial No. 159,421

7 Claims. (01. 223-110),

This invention relates to garment rejuvenating apparatus. v More particularly, the invention con cerns improved apparatus of the type set forth in application Ser. No. 118,129, filed September 2'7, 1949,'of which this application is in part a continuation.

In application Ser. No., 118,129 is disclosed means for rejuvenating worn garments to restore useful life to the same. Such means comprises a base member having a covering of resilient porous material such as sponge rubber, for sup- I porting the garment to be treated. The exposed brushing operation and the resilient support of the garment being brushed results in a restoration of nap, loosening of matted fiber structures; a brightening of fabric color and in otherwise extending the useful life of the garment.

An object of this invention is to provide improved garment rejuvenating apparatus of the character described, whereby various items of wearing apparel or portions thereof may be treated rapidly and efficiently to restore andrenew the useful life thereof, at a minimum unit cost.

Another object of this invention is to provide in apparatus of the character described and including a main base, a plurality ofaccessory fixtures, each of the fixtures being adapted to distend or support a specific garment or portion thereof, while the same is positioned on .the base of the apparatus, the fixture beingadapted to be related to the base in a manner tofacilitate the brushing of the garment or portions thereof.

Afurther object of this invention is to provide an apparatus of the character described, which includes a rotatable base, togetherwith a plurality of accessory garment distending or supporting devices, such devices being adapted to be selectively used in conjunction with the base wherein the base is rotated to selected positions to facilitate the treatment of the garment positioned on the accessory device.

Still another object of this inventionis to provide an apparatus of the character described which includes an adjustable main support, togather with a plurality of accessory supports or distending devices which are designed to support or distend selected garments or portions thereof, the devices being adapted to be used in' predetermined order, in conjunction with the main support in adjusted positions thereof, to treat successively different portions of a selected garment in a rapid and efficient manner.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide in apparatus of the character described, a main support and a plurality of accessory supports or fixtures to be used in conjunction with the main support for positioning and supporting garments or portions thereof for a brushing treatment, the main support and the accessory supports including outer coverings of a resilient material having a high coefficient of friction whereby a garment is retained against movement during the brushing treatment.

Other objects of this invention will in part be obvious and in part hereinafter pointed out.

The invention accordingly consists in the features of construction, combinations of parts, ar rangement of elements which will be exemplified in the construction hereinafter described, and of which the scope of application will be indicated in the following claims. v

In the accompanying drawings, in which is shown an illustrative embodiment of the invention:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus embodying the invention;

Fig. 2 is a top plan view of a portion of the apparatus, illustrating the'use of one of the accessory devices;

Fig. 3 is an isometric View of a vice used with the apparatus; v

Fig.4 is a front elevational view of a sleeve support used with the apparatus; 4 T

Fig. 5 is an isometric view of a coat edger-used with the apparatus; v h 4 Fig. dis a front 'elevational view of a trouser support used with the apparatus;

Fig. 7 is a front elevational view of a skirt support used withthe apparatus; I

Fig. 8 is a front elevational view of the base portion of the apparatus, illustrating the use of the sleevesupport;

Fig, 9 is a top plan view of the base portion of the apparatus, illustratingthe use of the trouser support; and

Fig. 10 is a top plan view of the base portion of the apparatus, illustrating the use of the skirt support. I

Referring in detail to the drawings, and more particularly to Fig. 1, l0 designates an apparatus embodying the invention. The same comprises a frame generally designated as II, on which is adjustably mounted a base member l2. The frame H comprises a pair of similar side frame members 13 which may be made of bent steel tubing or the like. Each frame member l3 comclamping deprises a horizontal, floor contacting portion I4,

an upstanding knee portion I5 extendingfrom 3 the forward end thereof, a rearwardly and upwardly inclined portion l6 and a horizontal, inwardly extending top portion ll. Portions l4 and I! are interconnected at their rear 'by a vertical member [8.

An inverted, substantially U shaped hood i9 is mounted on portions 1?, thus interconnecting the side frame members [3 at the tops thereof. The hood I9 is located over the base member !2 and is adapted to have lighting equipment, not shown, mounted interiorly thereof, to illuminate the base member. An outwardly projecting channel member is fixed to the forward edge of hood I9. The channel opens upwardly, for the purpose hereinafter appearing.

The side frame members 13 are further interconnected, at the lower portions thereof, by a footrest member 2| which is substantially Z shaped in transverse section. The member 2! comprises a substantially horizontal intermediate portion 22 which terminates forwardly in a downwardly extending lip 22a. Extending upwardly from the rear edge of portion 22 is a vertical portion 23 which terminates in a rearwardly extending and upwardly inclined apron 24.

A bracket 25 is fixed to the underside of foot rest portion 22 at the opposite ends thereof. Registering openings are formed in the footrest portion 22 and brackets 25 for slidably receiving the members I8. Each of the brackets 25 may be split from the rear end thereof to the opening therein and provided with horizontal screw 26 spanning the split bracket portions, thus provid ing means for retaining the footrest in adjusted vertical positions on members it.

The base member [2 is substantially rectangular in shape and may comprise a core of suitable material such as wood, compressed fiber, or the like. The core is enveloped in a covering of resilient, porous material, such as sponge rubber or the like. Such material, of suitable thickness, exhibits a high coeflicient of friction. The covered core comprises planar faces 21, transversely rounded edges 28, 28a and transversely rounded, end edges 29, 29a. The edges 29, 2911 are rounded as they approach edges 28, 28a. The resilient covering which extends about the core edges, may be covered with a peripheral tape 30 which is smooth and has a coeificient of friction substantially less than that of the sponge rubber covering, for the purpose hereinafter appearing.

The base member I2 is provided with shaft means 32 extending axially and projecting from the opposite ends thereof, for mounting the same on frame II. The opposite shaft ends 32 are journalled for rotation in bearing blocks 33, which are formed with horizontal bores for receiving the shaft ends. The blocks 33 are further formed with vertical bores disposed rearwardly of the horizontal bores, for slidably receiving members l8. Each of the blocks 33 is split horizontally from the forward end thereof to the horizontal bore and is split vertically from the rear end thereof to the vertical bore. Screws S4, 35 traversing the vertical and horizontal split portions, respectively, provide means for retaining the base [2 in adjusted vertical and angular positions, respectively.

An electric motor 36 has its housing swingably mounted on a U shaped bracket 3?, which in turn is pivotally' attached to footrest portion 22 at one end thereof. A flexible shaft 38 is connected to motor 36 and terminates in an arbor 39 to which may be removably attached a brush iii). When the attached brush is not in use, it may be retained by means of a clip 4| secured on one end of channel 20. It is understood that various types of rotary brushes may be used in conjunction with shaft 38, unattached brushes being conveniently stored, when not in use, in channel 29. A liquid spraying device 42, which is connected by a flexible tubing 43, to a suitable source of air pressure, not shown, may be clipped to hood I9, when not in use.

It is understood, that the base member I2 is adapted to resiliently support various items of wearing apparel, the smooth tape 35 facilitating the movement of the garment over the surfaces 21, for a treatment with liquid detergent, fiber lubricant or the like, which is applied by means of spraying device 42. The sprayed fabric surfaces are then subjected to a rotary brushing treatment by means of brush All which is selected in accordance with the particular type of fabric being treated and its condition. The motor 35 maybe energized from a source of current, not shown, to effect rotation of brush 40. Suitable switch means, not shown, is used to control the operation of motor 36.

It has been found that such treatment of a fabric surface, while resiliently supported, loosens and rearranges matted and compacted fibers as found in worn garments, as well as renapping such fabric surface and otherwise renewing the useful life of the garment. The resilient covering on the base member appears to control and stabilize the abrading action of the brush relative to a fabric surface.

It has also been found that the brushing operation is facilitated when the base member :2 is supplemented by accessory devices or fixtures designed to distend or support particular garments or portions thereof. Accordingly, there is provided for use with base member i2, a sleeve support shown in Fig. 4; a coat edger 46 shown in Fig. 5; a trouser support 41 shown in Fig. 6 and a skirt support 48 shown in Fig. 7, together with a clamp 49 shown in Fig. 3. The supports and coat edger may be conveniently hung on an up standing standard 50 which is secured at its lower end to frame portion l5, by means of suitable fastening devices 5|. As shown in Fig. 1, cross arms 52 are fixed to standard 50 to provide suspending means for the supports and coat edger. The standard 50 may be mounted to rotate axially.

The sleeve support 45 comprises a flat core 53, which may be formed of compressed fiber board such as Masonite or other suitable material. The core includes a pair of longitudinal edges 54 which converge somewhat as they approach the lower end edge 55. The core is covered on its opposite sides and edges 54, 55, with a sponge rubber covering 21, which may be similar to the covering on base member l2. The upper end 56 of the core projects from the covering and is formed with an opening 5! for mounting the support on the standard 50. The covered core edges 54-, are taped with a smooth material 58, which has a lower coefiicient of friction than that of covering 21.

The coat edger 46 comprises an elongated core 59 which is preformed from a condensed fiber board or the like, to provide a substantially arcuate cross section. A sponge rubber facing 59, of the type previously described, is adhesively or otherwise secured to the outer, convex surface of the core. The facing 59 extends from core end 60 to a point short of the other core and GI. The side edges of the facing terminate at the core side edges 62, 62. The exposed portion of the core at BI is formed with an opening 63 for suspending the device on standard 50.

The trouser support 41, comprises an elongated, flat core 64 of compressed fiber board or the like. The core includes a longitudinal edge 65, a transverse lower edge 66 and a pair of longi- Edge portion 61 extending from edge 65 is inclined outwardly somewhat, with respect to edge 65. Edge portion 68, which is shorter than edge portion 61, is also inclined outwardly with respect to edge 65, but to a greater extent than edge portion 61. The

port 45, thus retaining the distended sleeve against movement during the brushing operation.

After treating the outer surface of sleeve S, the support 45 is turned to expose the inner surface of the sleeve for similar treatment. The base is then tilted to its horizontal position, the support 45 is partially removed from the sleeve S and is given a half turn and reinserted into edges 61, 68 are connected by a transverse edge 68 which is parallel to edge 66, thus forming a projecting crotch notch 59. The core 64 is enveloped in a sponge rubber covering 10, similar -to the resilient coverings previously described,

leaving an upper core portion ll exposed. The core portion H is formed with an opening 12 for mounting the edger on the standard 50. The enveloped core edges may be covered with a smooth tape 13 applied over the sponge rubber.

The skirt support 48 is similar in general shape to the sleeve support 45, except that it has greater transverse dimensions. It has a core 53, edges 54', 55, core portion 55, opening 51', tape 58 and core facing 21", corresponding respectively to elements 53, 54, 55, 56, 51, 5B and 21' of sleeve support 45.

The clamp 49 comprises an integral strip 14 of compressed fiber board such as Masonite; which includes anintermediate planar portion 14. Extending from opposite ends of portion 14', are inwardlycurved end portions 15. The portion 15 terminate in opposed edges it. The nature of the strip material is such that the portions 15 may be flexed outwardly and sway from each other, but'the portions will tend to re siliently return to their normal position. A rectangular strip of sponge rubber I1 is adhesively or otherwise secured to the inner surface of strip 14, the opposite ends of the sponge rubberstrip terminating at strip edges IS. The clamp 49, when not in use, may be positioned over the hood l9, as shown in Fig. 1.

Each of the supports 45, 46, 41, 48 is adapted to be used in conjunction with base member l2,

to suitably distend or position an individual garment or portion thereof, making the same ready for the spraying and brushing operations, previsupport edges allows the sleeve to be readily drawn up on the support, notwithstanding the frictional resistance offered by the support facings 21 to the inner fabric surfaces of the sleeve. The coat C is then positioned with the supported sleeve S disposed transversely of the base member l2, as shown in Fig. 8. The rest of the garment is draped over the base edge 28a. Preferably, the base I2 is rotated or tilted to an inclined position, the base being frictionally locked in adjusted position by means of screws 35 on the bearing blocks 33.

The exposed fabric surface of sleeve S is sprayed with liquid detergent or the like, by means of spray device 42 and is then subjected to a rotary brushing treatment by means of brush 40. The action of brush 40 is controlled by the resilient support of the sleeve, in the manner previously described. Additionally, the frictional surface on base i2 is in contact with the sleeve fabric disposed between the base and the supthe sleeve. Thus, untreated edge portions of the sleeve are now presented on the flat surfaces of the support for treatment, as previously described, the base being restored to its tilted operating position. The entire procedure is repeated for the other sleeve of coat C.

The coat C is now ready to have its lapels and facings treated. Accordingly, the sleeve support is removed and the garment is positioned on base I 2 with the left portion thereof on the upper: surface thereof, with the collar turned up about edge 29a of the base. The coat edger 45 is then positioned to clamp the garment to base edge 28 with the device 49 disposed transversely of the base and edger to hold the edger in place. The left facing and lapel portions of the coat'are pulled forwardly about edge 62 of the edger so as to support the same on facing asshown in dotted outline in Fig. 2. The supported garment portions are sprayed and brushed, as previ ously described, while the right portion of the garment is hanging below edge 62' of the edger.

After treatment of the left lapel and facing, the same is returned to its original position on base l2, as shown in Fig. 2. The right lapel and facing of the garment is then brought up and positioned on the edger facing 59' for spray and brush treatment. The clamp 49 and edger 46 are removed to allow the body of the coat to be treated. Thus, the left front half, left side and shoulder, back, right side and shoulder and right front half of the coat are treated while positioned directly on the covering of base 12. .zTh'e operator may sit while performing a number of the op-' erations, the footrest 2| being suitably adjusted accordingly.

In treating trousers or slacks, the left leg thereof is pulled up on trouser support 41, with the fly closed and with the crotch notch 69 extending into the right trouser leg. The support and distended trouser leg is placed longitudinally on base [2, as shown in Fig. 9, with the right trouser leg hanging over base edge 28a. The clamp 49 is located transversely of the support over the trouser waistband and clampsthe garment in place. The exposed fabric surface of" the trouser leg including the front crease are treated as previously described, the resilient facing 10 on the support coacting with the brush ing operation as hereinbefore described. With one end of the garment clamped and the underside of the trouser leg disposed between frictional surfaces on the base and support, there is little possibility of movement of the fabric during the brushing operation,

After completing the front portion of the trouser leg, the support is turnedover to present the back portion of the trouser leg for treatment. In each case, the clamp 49 is removed to allow treatment of waistband portions of the trousers, The support is suspended on the standard to al-- low the trouser leg to be pulled down half way and given a half turn and restored on the support to present previously untreated portions of the trouser leg on the flat surfaces of the support, for similar treatment while positioned on base l2, as previously described. The support is then entirely removed from the left trouser leg and reinserted in the right trouser leg, locating the crotch notch in the left trouser leg. The sequence of operations is repeated for the right trouser leg and waistband portions adjacent thereto.

In treating a skirt, the same is positioned in distended form by pulling the bottom of the skirt up over the lower edge 55' of the support 43, while the support is suspended on standard 50. The supported skirt is placed on base l2 and clamp 49 is located over the skirt waistband to engage the base and fix the support as shown in Fig. 10. The skirt surface is treated while sup-- ported on resilient covering 27" of the support while the base I2 is tilted to a suitable operating position. The clamp 49 is removed to allow treatment of the skirt waistband. As previously described, the frictional coverings on base and support substantially prevent movement of the fabric during the brushing operation. The support is turned over on base I2 to expose the opposite side of the skirt for treatment.

The untreated edges of the skirt are brought into treating position by suspending the support on standard 56, pulling the skirt part way off the support and shifting the garment about the support. The support is then replaced on the base to complete the treatment as previously described.

It will be apparent that in each case, the gar ment being treated, is at all times positioned in contact with a resilient surface whereby the brushing operation is most effective. Since the base l2 may be readily rotated or tilted to any desired angle and given any desired vertical position, the various supports may be positioned on the base to most effectively present a garment surface to the operator for treatment. By properly planning the sequence of individual operations, maximum efiiciency and speed of operation may be attained. The use of clamp 49 is effective in freeing the hands of the operator for handling the brush 40 and if necessary, allowing the garment to be totally restrained against movement during the brushing operation, by the use of one hand.

The taped edges on the supports facilitate the mounting and removal of garments thereon, yet do not detract from the resiliency of the covering on the support edges. In some instances it may be desirable to treat a garment portion at the edge of the support.

It is understood, that each of the supports may be provided in graduated sizes to take care of graduated garment sizes. The supports may be of the mechanically or pneumatically expandible type.

It will thus be seen that there is provided an apparatus in which the several objects of the invention are achieved and which is well adapted to meet the conditions of practical use.

As various possible embodiments might be made of the described invention, and changes might be made in the embodiments described, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth, is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Having thus described my invention, I claim as new and desire to protect by Letters Patent:

1. In an apparatus for rejuvenating garments wherein a garment is subjected to a brushing operation, the combination of a base and a fixture for supporting at least a portion of said garment,

said base and fixture including outer surfaces of resilient material, said fixture being mounted on said base with at least a portion of said garment disposed between said base and said fixture while presenting another portion of said garment in resiliently supported condition on the exposed surface of the fixture for said brushing operation.

2. In an apparatus for rejuvenating garments wherein a garment has surface portions thereof subjected to a brushing operation, the combination of a frame, a base mounted on said frame for movement to selected positions, an accessory device for supporting at least a portion of said garment, said base and device including outer surfaces of resilient, porous material, said device being mounted on said base with portions of said garment between opposed portions of said base and said device and other portions of said garment in a resiliently supported condition and presenting an exposed surface for said brushing operation, said base being adapted to be moved relative to said frame to bring the exposed surface of said garment to a selected position and means for retaining said base in said selected position.

3. In an apparatus for rejuvenating garments, wherein a garment is subjected to a brushing operation, the combination of a frame, a base comprising a substantially planar surface and an edge, a resilient, porous covering on said base, means for mounting said base on said frame for rotatable movement about an axis parallel to the axis of said base, means for retaining said base in adjusted angular positions, and means for clamping a portion of a garment to said base whereby other portions of said garment present exposed surfaces which may be subjected to said brushing operation.

4. In an apparatus as set forth in claim 3, wherein said clamping means comprises an elongated member adapted to be disposed along the edge of said base with a portion of said garment interposed therebetween, said member having an outer surface of porous, resilient material to provide supporting means for other portions of said garment, and means for retaining said member in clamping relation to said base.

5. In an apparatus as set forth in claim 4, wherein said retaining means comprises a member including an intermediate portion and curved, resilient end portions extending from opposite ends of said intermediate portion.

6. In an apparatus for rejuvenating garments, a garment supporting member comprising a core having a planar face, a covering of resilient material having a high coefficient of friction on the face of said core and extending to the edge thereof, and means on the peripheral edge of said core having a coeflicient of friction substantially lower than that of said covering.

7. In an apparatus for rejuvenating garments, wherein said garments are subjected to a brushing operation, a frame, a base having a longitudinal edge, a covering of porous, resilient material on said base, axial means extending from opposite ends of said base, bearing means on said frame for rotatably mounting said axial means, means for clamping an intermediate portion of a garment to the edge of said base, said clamping means including an outer covering of porous, resilient material, unclamped portions of said garment being adapted to be rolled into resiliently supported contact with the covering on said clamping means thereby presenting an exposed garment surface for said brushing operation.

MERLE R. MEYER.

REFERENCES CITED v The following references are of record in the file of th1s patent:

EUNITED STATES PA'I'ENTS Number I Name Date 205,673 Patton July 2, 1878 McArthur Nov. 15. 1904 Number Wattles Ju1y 24. 1951 

